Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The current IT system following a modular approach
with dedicated servers. As OGT has expanded we have
been able to divide functionality between hardware
Figure 10.2
10.4 Maintenance of the system
Responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the 'omics platform
resides within the computational biology group. There is a nominated
system administrator, but we also have a support contract with a specialist
Linux consultancy who are able to provide in-depth knowledge when
required. For example, when we buy a new server, they install the
operating system and confi gure it for our needs. Also, they provide a
monitoring service so that all our systems are constantly being assessed,
and in the event of a problem being detected are alerted and able to
resolve it. Further to this, they have been able to provide sensible and
practical advice as we have expanded. From the OGT administrator's
point of view, this reduces time spent as a system administrator, freeing
up time for other important functions in the group.
One early issue was that the Linux and Windows systems were
maintained by separate people, with little communication fl ow in either
direction. Given the overlap between these systems, this was not ideal. A
recent development has been the formation of an IT steering committee
comprising the Linux and Windows system administrators and some
other IT literati from within OGT. With this has come regular fortnightly
meetings at which any problems can be discussed, as well as any plans for
the future discussed. Usually these meetings do not last very long, but
they have signifi cantly oiled the IT machinery within OGT.
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